Mary Lou Retton via Access Hollywood YouTube, screenshot

The five-time Olympian, Mary Lou Retton, is back home after a horrifying case of pneumonia caused the athletic star to fight for her life as doctors worked to help her fight off the infection.

Mary Lou Retton, during a 2018 interview | SCREENSHOT: Access Hollywood/YouTube

One of Retton’s daughters, McKenna Kelley, according to a report from Fox News, announced that her mother was on the mend at that she’d be returning home this week for some much needed recovering time.

“Mom is HOME and in recovery mode. We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but baby steps,” she posted on Instagram. “We are overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone. Grateful doesn’t scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts.
“Thank you Jesus, thank you doctors and nurses, thank you to this loving community of support,” she added.
Days after indicating improvement in Mary Lou Retton’s health, her other daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, revealed on Instagram that Retton experienced a “scary setback” in the ICU. While details of the setback were not disclosed, Schrepfer mentioned that her mother was “really exhausted.”

RELATED: ‘America’s Sweetheart’, US Olympic Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton In ICU With Rare Form Of Pneumonia

Retton, celebrated as ‘America’s Sweetheart’ after her remarkable performance in the Los Angeles Games, became critically ill the last few weeks with a rare form of pneumonia.

Her daughter, McKenna Lane Kelley, revealed on Instagram that Retton has been in intensive care for over a week and is currently unable to breathe independently. Another daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, expressed gratitude for the public’s support and requested privacy for the family.

Retton, who made history in 1984 as the first American woman to clinch the all-around gold in gymnastics, became a beloved national figure, subsequently appearing on a Wheaties box cover. She retired in 1986, enjoying endorsements and media appearances due to her iconic Olympic status.

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